The Advent readings in the Liturgy are marvelous! Today’s “golden thread” features healing of the blind. In the first reading today from Isaiah 29, the Lord says, “On that day the deaf shall hear…the eyes of the blind shall see. The lowly will ever find joy in the Lord, and the poor rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.” Then in the Gospel reading from Matthew 9, Jesus heals not one, but two blind men.
Jesus asks the blind men a point blank question. “Do you believe that I can do this?” They answer Him, “Yes, Lord.” As if Jesus’ question isn’t thought provoking enough to us, His statement to the blind men should give us pause for reflection. He says to them, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.” Obviously, the faith of the blind men was great. They both received their sight. But what about us? Would we have received our sight fully and completely? Or would we just be able to make out light and images?
How great is your faith? Jesus spoke again and again about the need for faith. And if Jesus’ healings are done “according to your faith,” then doesn’t it stand to reason that little faith will bring about little results? And great faith will bring about great results. This isn’t some kind of self-help mantra or trickery. It is directly from the Lord Jesus. Let us pray that with ever greater faith will come ever greater healing.
Father, you know that our faith can be so weak. Help us to trust in you more, that Christ’s healing power may be complete in us. Amen.
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